PhD in Industrial Engineering

The field of industrial engineering brings together the various sciences concerned with technology, the production of goods, performance of services and the way in which people work. Industrial engineers address the efficient utilization of resources to produce quality, as well as cost competitive goods and services in a healthy and efficient work environment. Industrial engineering covers a broad spectrum including production planning and control, manufacturing systems and processes, facilities design, human factors, occupational safety, quality control, systems reliability, and systems analysis and design with a strong emphasis on advanced computing.

The objectives of the PhD in Industrial Engineering program are to provide the knowledge and develop the skills that students need to become leaders of research in academia, industry and government.

This program is intended for highly qualified students who wish to pursue advanced research in industrial engineering and related areas. The program emphasizes two areas: manufacturing systems and assurance sciences, and human factors and occupational safety.

Admission Requirements

A minimum master’s GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent, is normally required for admission. The GRE (general section) is required of all applicants. All international students must also achieve a minimum TOEFL score of 550 for the paper-based exam or a minimum score of 6.5 with no sub-score lower than 6.0 for the IELTS exam.

Degree Requirements

The department approves specific degree requirements and dissertation topics on an individual basis. Students must attain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students must conduct independent original research in a specific area of industrial engineering. Key milestones for a Ph.D. students are: (i) Complete 24 credits of courses work beyond the Masters, including at least 12 credits at the 700 level, (ii) Pass the Qualifying Exam (ii) Select a dissertation advisor and defend the research proposal and (iv) submit and pass the Ph.D. dissertation exam. For dissertation credit registration requirements please see http://www5.njit.edu/graduatestudies/content/new-phd-credit-requirements/

Qualifying Examination

All student are expected to pass a written qualifying exam. The exam is organized into two parts each of four hours duration (A) Mathematics, Probability and Statistics and (B) Industrial Engineering Topics. Part B will focus on seven different industrial engineering topics (i) Human Factors (ii) Operations Research (iii) Supply Chain and Production Planning (iv) Simulation Modeling (v) Reliability and Quality Control (vi) Engineering Economy and (vii) Manufacturing Processes. The test is administered 1-2 times a year, and a pass/fail grade is assigned to each section. A student can appear for the exam a maximum of 2 times

Dissertation Committee

After passing the qualifying examination, each student selects a dissertation advisor from the MIE department faculty. In consultation with the advisor a dissertation committee of five members including the advisor is formed. At least one member must be a faculty from outside the MIE department.

Research Proposal

Doctoral students must prepare a written research proposal and make an oral presentation for approval by their dissertation committee. The proposal must be presented after formation of the committee but within one year after passing the qualifying examination. Research is expected to investigate or develop a unique contribution to science and technology.

Dissertation Defense

An oral defense of the dissertation with the dissertation committee is required after submission of the final document to the department for approval. Signatures of all members of the dissertation committee must be received for final approval to be granted.